clean smokestacks act benefits update division of air quality march 17, 2010 3/17/2010
TRANSCRIPT
Clean Smokestacks Act Benefits Update
Division of Air QualityMarch 17, 2010
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Air Quality Management
• Findings of the Southern Appalachian Mountains Initiative and subsequent regional modeling studies:– Reductions in NOx emissions are the most effective
way to reduce ozone levels in NC and the Southeastern US
– Reductions in SO2 emissions are the most effective way to reduce fine particle levels in NC and the Southeastern US
– Reductions in NOx and SO2 emissions will reduce acid rain and nitrogen deposition as well as improve visibility
– Emissions reductions applied in a particular State would generate the most benefit in that State
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Ozone Control Strategy Implementation
• Significant progress has been made in this decade to reduce emissions and lower ozone levels
• NOx reductions have been realized: – Utility sector (State Clean Smokestacks Act), – Utility and industrial boilers (Federal NOx SIP Call
rule, Clean Air Interstate Rule),– Mobile (Federal engine and fuel standards, State
vehicle inspection program) – Nonroad (Federal engine standards)
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Duke and Progress Energy NOx Emissions
Note: Final NOx reduction goal in Clean Smokestacks Act is 20093/17/2010
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Ozone levels are decreasing
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Fine Particle Control Strategy Implementation
• Significant progress has been made in this decade to reduce emissions and lower fine particle levels
• SO2 reductions have been realized: – Utility sector (State Clean Smokestacks Act), – Utility and industrial boilers (Federal Clean Air
Interstate Rule),– Mobile (Federal diesel engine and fuel standards) – Nonroad (Federal diesel engine and fuel
standards)
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Duke and Progress Energy SO2 Emissions
Note: Final 2013 SO2 reduction goal in Clean Smokestacks Act is 130,000 tons3/17/2010
Fine Particle levels are decreasing
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Clean Smokestacks Act - Summary
• Implementation of the Clean Smokestacks Act ensured significant reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in NC.
• It required each of the two major utilities in NC to reduce emissions below a system wide cap in NC.
• It did not allow sources to purchase credits to meet emission reduction goals in NC.
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Clean Smokestacks Act - Summary
• Implementation of the Clean Smokestacks Act provides significant co-benefits in the form of:– Mercury emission reductions– Reductions in Nitrogen deposition– Reductions in acid deposition
• The co-benefits are significant as they serve to protect and improve our air quality, water quality, plant life, fisheries, and ecosystems.
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Clean Smokestacks Act - Summary
• Implementation of the Clean Smokestacks Act better positions NC to respond to more stringent National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and fine particles proposed by USEPA.
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